Live Arts DIRECTOR Role Description . 2015.2016
Hello!
Welcome to Live Arts! We’re thrilled to have you on board the production team as the DIRECTOR for this
show. Thank you for investing your time and energy to this process. We hope it is a fun, challenging (in
a good way!), and rewarding experience, and we are here to help make that a reality.
The document you’re reading is a brief description of the role of Director on a Live Arts show. If you
are familiar with the concepts of directing a show but have never worked here before (or just need a
brush-up), the following should give you a good idea of your role and responsibilities with a Live Arts
production. Chances are, you’re pretty well acquainted with this show and have a lot of ideas and plans
already, which is great. If you haven’t already, get together with Julie, our Artistic Director, to review the
expectations at Live Arts. Ask for help! The Live Arts staff and your fellow company members are here to
support you.
Always feel free to ask your Director of Engagement, Tracie Skipper,
for more information: 434-977-4177x107 / tracie@livearts.org
All right! Let’s get started.
Goals of the Director:

The director sits at the helm of a production, leading his or her play, new work, or musical from
planning through design, casting, rehearsals, performances, and beyond. You will work closely
with your production team, the Live Arts staff, and Artistic Director, Julie Hamberg
(julie@livearts.org) to create a compelling, collaborative production that supports Live Arts’ goal
of forging theater and community.

You should become acquainted with the Live Arts staff, who are all here to assist throughout the
production process, especially: Director of Production, and Director of Engagement, Tracie
Skipper (tracie@livearts.org).

Communication and collaboration are key components of a successful production. Weekly design
and production meetings will give you a chance to work in tandem with the designers to create a
unified, specific world. Decisiveness, thoughtfulness, an ability to listen, a knack for organization,
creativity, kindness, and a sense of humor are all invaluable assets.
Responsibilities of the Director:

Attend weekly design and production meetings.

Working with the Live Arts staff, assemble and help guide a Production Team (a collaborative
team of designers, stage managers, producer, and crew).

Lead auditions and guide the casting process.
— Communicate personally with the actors that you cast and with the actors that you don’t cast.
It makes a big difference, as a core value of Live Arts is building relationships long-term.

Collaborate with the Artistic Director to ensure the highest quality production possible.

Serve as leading voice as to the style and aesthetic of the production. Listen to contributions from
your design team and help to guide the team towards effective ideas and solutions.

Determine a rehearsal schedule (your Stage Manager can help you out here) and lead
rehearsals.
— Your preliminary schedules will be set up by the Director of Production and will reflect
available slots for rehearsal – NOT what you may actually trim down to.
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Live Arts DIRECTOR Role Description . 2015.2016
—
Only calling those you’ll need to work with makes for a happy company, as does releasing
those actors you won’t get to because of a time crunch. We hear this over and over -collaborator’s have the best experiences when the use of their time is respected.

Work with the Props Designer to create a list of performance props, as well as a list of rehearsal
props needed earlier in the process.

Work with your Producer and the Live Arts staff to find opportunities for education, outreach, and
marketing your show.

With the help of your Stage Manager, Producer, and Director of Production, make sure the
production process runs on schedule. Assist others by making firm decisions on deadline.

Be ready for a large time commitment. A typical Live Arts production process is about 15 weeks
long, and directors are on board from the beginning. Weekly design meetings begin 15 weeks
out; casting usually occurs about 10 weeks out; and rehearsals usually occur generally 5 days a
week for 3-4 hours each day. Basically, get ready for a BIG project — AND a rewarding one!

Attend tech rehearsals and dress rehearsals. Delegate responsibility to your Stage Manager
during tech week in order to facilitate quick decisions. Remember – your SM will be running the
show during the course of the production so it’s good to have a positive working relationship that
also allows for the Stage Manager to maintain artistic vision throughout the run of the show.

Set the tone for the production. Energy, flexibility, a collaborative spirit, and good humor go a
long way!
Director Agreement
Okay, here’s the official part. It lets us know that you’ve read the Director Role Description and that you’re
able to commit fully to this process.
Please read and sign the following page and return it to the Director of Engagement, Tracie
Skipper. If you have any questions, need any help, or would like more information on anything at all,
speak to a member of the Live Arts staff. We can’t say it enough: we are here to help you.
Trust
Yes, in theatre we sometimes like to 'break the rules' to make great art -- but in this real-life community,
trust is imperative.
NO illegal drugs here; NO under-age drinking here;
NO working or volunteering here while 'under the influence' of same.
YES to rockin-legal parties here; YES to respecting each other;
YES to a safe space to make art here;
YES to respecting each other’s time and each other’s abilities.
Weather
Have you heard the phrase “the show must go on”? This holds true in all types of weather. The decision
to cancel a performance is left up to the Artistic and Executive directors. Our number one goal is
everyone’s safety and we will do what we can to insure that. With that said, unless the city declares the
roads closed and you hear from the Director of Production, Artistic Director, or Executive Director, the
show will go on.
See Timeline Attachment … Important dates for your production!
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Live Arts DIRECTOR Role Description . 2015.2016
Live Arts will provide a Director’s Stipend of $400.00 within two weeks of closing night.
I have read the description for this position at Live Arts and I agree to fulfill my production obligations as
Director for the show I am participating in. I have reviewed the timeline and understand my commitment to
the dates requesting my participation. I agree to allow my image to be used for non-commercial purposes
in the photographs/video for the show I am participating in. I understand that these photos will be used
for the promotion and marketing of Live Arts and the production of the show I am participating in.
I am participating in the Live Arts Production of:
I have read and understand the role description for the Director.
Live Arts Rep Signature
Director Signature
Print Name
Print Name
Title
Address
City, State, Zip
Date
Date
RETURN SIGNED PAGE TO:
Tracie Skipper – before production meetings have begun
Your Producer or The Stage Manager – after production meetings have begun
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